If you missed a Harrison County traffic court date—especially as a commercial driver—your next steps matter. A new court policy effective October 6, 2025 changes how non‑appearances are handled for CDL and non‑CDL drivers. The policy allows attorneys to ask the court to withdraw a traffic warrant in many situations and then move quickly to resolve the underlying ticket.

At KCDUI, we help professional drivers and everyday motorists protect their licenses, jobs, and records in Harrison County, Missouri (Bethany) and the surrounding corridor.

What Changed in Harrison County?

The memorandum sets out several important rules for traffic cases with scheduled fines and costs:

• Warrants on non‑appearance: If you miss court, a warrant issues for both CDL and non‑CDL drivers.
• Bond amounts: In most traffic cases, bond equals the total scheduled fine + court costs (under Rule 37’s state chart).
• $500 bond on specific CDL statutes: Some motor‑carrier/scale‑house violations carry a flat $500 bond if you miss court, including:
  • § 307.400 (improper motor‑carrier driver record)
  • § 304.200 (special permit violations)
  • § 304.230 (refusing to weigh or submit to driver/vehicle inspection)
  • § 304.235 (failure to stop at a weigh station)
• Commercial operator license statute: § 302.725 (operating a commercial vehicle without the required license) is not on the state fine chart; it carries its own penalty framework, and bond for non‑appearance is $500.
• License hold: When a non‑appearance warrant issues, your driver’s license is suspended/held until the case is resolved.
• “Plead & Pay” eligibility: If the State sets a scheduled fine for your charge, CDL and non‑CDL drivers may resolve some tickets without appearing by paying according to the schedule.
• Continuances: A first continuance should be granted (giving time to resolve the case); further continuances are by judicial review.
• Attorney pathway to lift the warrant: If a defendant has an attorney who arranges payment of the scheduled fine (when eligible), the court will withdraw the warrant. If payment is not arranged, you must post bond and appear.
• Out‑of‑state drivers: There is no way to post a Missouri bond from another state—so trying to “take care of it later” across state lines usually won’t work.

Bottom line: if you have a Harrison County traffic warrant—especially as a CDL holder—call a Missouri attorney first. Showing up at the courthouse or a scale house without a plan can make things worse.

How This Impacts CDL Drivers

For truckers, a quick “plead & pay” can look easy—but it can harm your CDL:

• MVR/PSP/CSA exposure: Paying certain tickets creates convictions that can hit your Motor Vehicle Record, PSP, and CSA profile.
• Employer risk: Carriers monitor these databases. A conviction can affect hiring, insurance, and routes.
• Weigh‑station and inspection‑related charges are especially sensitive. A negotiated outcome may protect you better than a straight payment.

Our goal is to lift the warrant, clear any license hold, and pursue the smartest resolution for your CDL—not just the fastest.

What KCDUI Does for Harrison County Warrants

1. Verify case & warrant status with the court and confirm any DOR license hold.
2. Seek immediate warrant withdrawal through counsel where the policy allows (often by arranging scheduled‑fine payment when appropriate).
3. Protect your CDL: Evaluate whether “plead & pay” is safe or if we should negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney for an amendment or alternative disposition.
4. Coordinate bond/appearances when payment or amendment isn’t available, then reset your case on the docket.
5. Follow through to closure and provide written proof so you can update your carrier and insurance.

Common Harrison County CDL/Traffic Scenarios We Handle

• Missed court on a scale‑house ticket (failure to stop, refusal to weigh, inspection refusal).
• Motor‑carrier record/logbook issues under §307.400.
• Special permit problems under §304.200.
• Driving a commercial vehicle without the correct CDL class/endorsement (§302.725).
• Standard traffic tickets (speeding, lane usage, following too closely, etc.) that still threaten a CDL.

What To Do Right Now if You Have a Warrant

• Do not drive to the courthouse without talking to counsel.
• Do not pay online until a CDL‑savvy lawyer confirms it won’t hurt your record.
• Call our office and have this ready: ticket/case number, full name and DOB, CDL state and number, company info, and any paperwork from law enforcement or the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Harrison County traffic warrant be withdrawn without me posting bond?
Often, yes—through an attorney. Under the new policy, if your charge is eligible for a scheduled fine and counsel arranges payment, the court can withdraw the warrant. If payment isn’t arranged or the charge isn’t eligible, you’ll generally need to post bond and appear.

Will my license be suspended if I miss court?
Yes. The memorandum states a license hold/suspension applies once the warrant issues. We work to lift the warrant and clear the hold as part of resolving your case.

I’m an out‑of‑state CDL driver. Can I post bond from home?
No. Missouri does not permit posting a MO bond from another state. Hire a Missouri attorney to pursue warrant withdrawal or to coordinate a bond and new court date.

Is “Plead & Pay” safe for CDL holders?
Not always. It can create a conviction that impacts your CDL, PSP, and CSA. Let us review whether a negotiated amendment or other outcome better protects your record.

What if this is my first missed court date?
A first continuance should be granted under the policy, which buys time to resolve the ticket. After that, the judge reviews any further continuance requests.

Why Choose KCDUI for Harrison County Warrant Withdrawal

• CDL‑Focused Strategy: We defend professional drivers every day.
• Local Experience: We regularly work with Harrison County and nearby courts.
• End‑to‑End Help: From warrant withdrawal and bond coordination to negotiations and final license clearance, we manage the entire process.

Talk to a Harrison County Warrant Lawyer Today

If you have a Harrison County traffic warrant or a CDL‑related ticket—especially after a missed court date—contact KCDUI. We’ll explain your options, seek to withdraw the warrant, and work toward the least damaging outcome for your license and livelihood.

This article is for general information only and isn’t legal advice. Court policies change, and outcomes depend on your specific facts. Contact an attorney for advice about your case.